Bedazzled Buttons: Modern Embellishments to Try for Fall

Jeweled buttons are no longer just ornament for ladylike cardigans at the country club or crafty froufrous for children’s attire. True, I haven’t used the word “bedazzle” unironically since my Girl Scout days circa 1992, but the supernova-size sparklers in **Marc Jacobs’**s fall 2012 collection for Louis Vuitton and playful bauble fasteners at Prada made the perfect argument for forgoing minimalism and embracing a world with highly embellished shirtfronts. [#image: /photos/5891f9197edfa70512d68540]||||||In the August issue of Vogue, Lynn Yaeger explores the questions of how to wear the season’s costumey closures without looking too stuffy or precious, admiring adaptations from Thakoon, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and more. Following her lead, I decided to decorate two vintage pieces as a fun poolside project before fall offerings come into stores. Taking cues from a heavily adorned collar at Prada, I strung clear spheres and plastic gems from M&J Trimming across the collar of a printed silk shirt from 1960s scarfmaker Vera Neumann. The result referenced the groovy geometric patterns on Prada’s dramatic coats, but was considerably more summer-friendly. Next up was a simple sheath dress, the cut of which echoed the square neckline on the dresses at Louis Vuitton. Once applied, the ten brooch-size buttons made a strong statement on the frock, a fun nod to Marc Jacobs’s penchant for oversize proportions and a no-fuss approach to über-embellishment. Consider it the beginning of a bedazzling revival.[#image: /photos/5891f919186d7c1b6493c761]||||||See our slideshow of bejeweled buttons above.